Regulatory Oversight Enhancement: LASIMRA, ALTON Begin Mast Enumeration February 1

Emma Okonji

The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), will commence enumeration of communication towers and masts across Lagos State, beginning February 1.

A statement signed in Lagos by the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of LASIMRA, Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi, explained that the enumeration exercise which would last for three months would enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Lagos residents by identifying and addressing any potential structural or environmental concerns associated with masts and towers in the state.

“The primary objective is to update the agency’s database with accurate and comprehensive information on all communications, telecoms, radio, television, and security infrastructure within the state.

“We urge all stakeholders, including telecoms operators, broadcasting companies, banks, security companies, property owners and the general public to cooperate fully with our team of enumerators during the exercise,” Elegushi said.

Another statement released by ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the initiative would help to address public safety concerns raised by the Lagos State Government regarding abandoned communication towers and will deliver significant benefits to the telecoms industry and the broader public.

“The Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project aims to develop a comprehensive and up-to-date database of all communication towers in Lagos State. While many towers are owned by non-telecommunication entities – such as broadcasting companies (television and radio stations), government agencies, emergency services (police, fire, military, and defense organisations), financial institution, private security firms, and others – there is often a public misconception that all towers belong to mobile network operators.

“The Lagos State Government has highlighted the need to address critical issues related to public safety, structural integrity, and the potential risks associated with abandoned towers.

“The enumeration exercise will help clearly identify and distinguish telecom operators’ towers from those owned by other entities, enabling better regulatory oversight, improved infrastructure management and for further action by the Lagos State Planning authorities,” Adebayo said in a statement.

The initiative, endorsed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and jointly sponsored by LASIMRA and ALTON, demonstrates the commitment to self-regulation, proactive risk management, and safeguarding public interest.

By maintaining a robust and secure infrastructure in Lagos State and across the nation, it will strengthen industry-led solutions, enhance our reputation, and foster stronger relationships with regulators and stakeholders.

Through the project, we aim to promote public safety, support environmental sustainability, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, Adebayo further said, adding that the initiative will also serve as a framework for similar future projects in other major cities across Nigeria as they proceed to Phase 2.